Get paid when the shoot doesn't happen.
You turned down other work for that slot. Guacamole makes sure a cancelled shoot is paid or rebooked.
Nothing to pay to start. We earn only when money comes back to you.
The shoot is gone. The fee never comes.
What no-shows cost photographers.
48 h – 7 days
is the usual cancellation window photographers set1
$50 / $75
typical fees for cancelling inside 48 and 24 hours (real estate example)2
Retainer
many jurisdictions allow a non-refundable retainer for a reserved date1
You rely on reviews and referrals.
Enforcing a fee on a client who cancelled feels like risking a bad review, so the policy in your contract quietly never gets used.
Guacamole does the asking. You stay the one they like.
- MonSaturday golden-hour shoot confirmed. You turned down another booking.
- ThuGear charged, location scouted.
- Fri 9 PM"Something came up, can we move it?"
- SatFree, unpaid, and the other client already booked someone else.
Prevent. Protect. Recover. Refill.
How it works.
Prevent
Reminders before the shoot, with easy rescheduling inside your window.
Protect
The shoot is secured with a card at booking. Nothing is charged upfront.
Recover
Late cancellation? Your fee is collected per your policy.
Refill
A freed date is offered to clients waiting for one.
What every photographer asks us first.
"I already take a retainer."
Keep it for weddings. For shorter sessions, a card on file charges nobody unless they cancel late.
"A bad review costs more than the fee."
The policy is agreed at booking, clients get reminders and a free reschedule window, and the message comes from Guacamole, not you.
"Real estate agents cancel all the time."
That's exactly why the fee should be automatic. Agents agree to it when they book.
"I only shoot a few times a week."
Then every cancelled shoot is a bigger share of your income.
What no-shows cost your practice.
Set to typical numbers for photographers. Change them to yours.
Your cancellation policy, ready to use.
Copy it, change the bracketed numbers, and post it. Then let Guacamole make sure it actually gets paid.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy By booking, you reserve a date and time that I hold for you and turn other work away for. • Cancel or reschedule [7] days or more before the shoot: no charge. • Cancel or reschedule within [48] hours: $[50]. • Cancel within [24] hours, or no-show: $[150] (or [50]% of the session fee). • Weather or illness: we will reschedule at no charge. A card is kept on file to secure your booking and is only charged under this policy.
Charge it the right way.
The rules.
In the contract and at booking
Include the policy in your contract and have it accepted when the shoot is booked.1
Retainer vs deposit
Wording matters: some courts treat deposits as refundable if the service did not happen. Check with a local attorney.1
Weather and illness
Define your exceptions clearly. Waive any fee in one tap.
What it looks like for photographers.
Example figures at an average price of $300. Prevented and refilled shoots are revenue you keep that would otherwise be lost.
In short
Guacamole is revenue recovery for photographers. Clients accept your cancellation policy and secure the shoot with a card. Reminders reduce last-minute cancellations, your fee is collected only when the policy applies, and freed dates are offered to clients waiting for one.
Questions photographers ask
What should a photography cancellation policy include?
The notice window, the fee for late cancellations and no-shows, how rescheduling works, and exceptions such as weather or illness.
Should I take a retainer instead?
Retainers work for weddings and big shoots. For portrait and real estate sessions, a card on file avoids charging everyone upfront.
Is a non-refundable fee legal?
Often, when it is a retainer for a reserved date and agreed in advance. Rules vary, so check locally.
Can I make exceptions?
Always. One tap waives the fee.
What does it cost?
Free to start, no contract. See the pricing page.